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Eden Hazard to miss his first Chelsea match of the season... because of tooth surgery

The Belgian winger has missed just 41 minutes of football this season

Tom Sheen
Friday 22 May 2015 11:12 BST
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Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard (GETTY IMAGES)

Eden Hazard is has missed only 41 minutes of action for Chelsea this season but will not be able to start the final match against Sunderland after having three wisdom teeth removed.

The 24-year-old, who has won the PFA, FWA and Premier League player of the year awards this season, needed emergency dental surgery on Thursday because of severe tooth ache.

The Belgian's thrilling performances and 14 league goals played a key role in Jose Mourinho's side being crowned champions but he was unable to attend the FWA awards gala.

Speaking on the night at the London Landmark Hotel, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola paid tribute to the Belgian.

"There is no doubt that Hazard is an exceptional player and he is one of those players who has got huge potential. In Italy we would say he is one of the players who you say is worth the price of the ticket," said Zola.

"Everyone knows Hazard can do exceptional things going forward, but his work rate defensively this season has been unbelievable. If you see a star player working so hard it is a massive incentive for everyone.

"Jose has played a major part on teaching him to be effective when the team has not got the ball."

Zola added: "Having a player like Hazard means Chelsea will be the team to beat next year.

"He is a player and they are a team that deserve all the credit they are getting this season."

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